Northern announces that the Ministerie van Economische Zaken (“EZ”) has awarded the Zuid-Friesland III Production Licence to Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij BV (“NAM”), Total, Petro-Canada and Dyas. The licence is for a period of 25 years and covers 104.6 km² in the Province of Friesland, The Netherlands

The licence area includes two gas fields; namely Oppenhuizen and Woudsend. Oppenhuizen-1 was drilled in 1972. The well discovered gas in the Zechstein 2 Carbonate and tested initial rates of 400,000 Nm³/d (15 mmscf/d). The well remains suspended. Woudsend-1 was drilled in 1987 and discovered gas in the Zechstein Carbonate but was not tested.

Under separate prior agreements, Northern Petroleum Nederland B.V. (“NPN”) will acquire NAM’s and Dyas’ working interests in the Licence and assume operatorship. After 40% participation by Energie Beheer Nederland B.V. (“EBN”), NPN’s working interest is 44.34%. The transfers are subject to the usual Government consent.

NPN will develop each field according to the agreements and will receive out of cash flow from production 100% pay-back of its costs plus an uplift. After pay-back, operating cash flow will be split between NPN and NAM and Dyas under a profit share arrangement.

The unaudited estimate of the Gas Initially in Place (GIIP) of the two fields is a combined 2.88 BNcm (107 Bscf) with expected recovery factors of the order of 60%.

“Northern is delighted with the announcement of the award of this licence with the acquisition of two further field development projects. This represents the results of much ground work by Northern and is a very welcome increase to NPN’s growth plans for the onshore Netherlands adding to the two gas fields placed on production in 2009,and the current developments of the Brakel, Ottoland, Papekop and Wijk and Aalburg fields. It is an endorsement of our strategy.” commented Derek Musgrove, Managing Director, Northern Petroleum Plc.

In accordance with the AIM Rules – Guidance for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies, the information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and signed off by the Exploration and Technical Director of Northern Petroleum Plc, Mr. Graham Heard CGeol FGS, who has over 35 years experience as a petroleum geologist.

For further information please contact:

Northern Petroleum Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2900/61
Derek Musgrove, Managing Director
Chris Foss, Finance Director
Graham Heard, Exploration & Technical Director
Sophie Hull, Head of Corporate Communications

Brokers to the Company

Jefferies International
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7029 8000
Chris Snoxall / Schuyler Evans

Astaire Securities
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7448 4400
Jerry Keen / Toby Gibbs